National Geographic Explorer

EXPEDITION-LUXURY (148 GUESTS)

Introduction to National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer was completely redesigned and rebuilt prior to being relaunched in 2008. The ship is equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment making it ideal for Antarctic expeditions, and offers a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions explored. The Explorer accommodates guests in 81 spacious outside cabins, most with feature windows and some with balconies. Public areas include a lounge and bar, a spa, fitness centre and sauna, and a choice of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine.

 

The ship is outfitted with the latest equipment for exploration – kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft, as well as hydrophones, HD cameras, and sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world. In 2019, the fleet of National Geographic ships have become 100% Carbon-Neutral. Not only will you be travelling with an extremely knowledgeable expedition team, you will also be travelling on board an environmentally sustainable and responsible ship.

National Geographic

FLYING TO ANTARCTICA

Flying to Antarctica

Flying over the Drake Passage allows you to avoid rough seas and reach Antarctic grounds quickly and comfortably.

A jet outfitted with special kits for Antarctic operation flies you over the weather. It takes you from South America (Punta Arenas in Chile) to your ship awaiting you in Antarctica in just two hours as you enjoy some in-flight hospitality.

Antarctic flights operate based on weather conditions, so you should be aware that changes in your itinerary are possible. If your flight to Antarctica is delayed, an engaging program of activities in Chilean Patagonia is offered as you enjoy meals and comfortable accommodation on land.

Boarding King George Island

What Planes Fly to Antarctica

DAP Airlines has over 25 years of experience flying in Antarctica and they operate all direct flights to Antarctica.

The aircrafts were manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace, which later became part of BAE Systems. They are high-wing aircraft with short runway requirements, which means they are particularly suited for Antarctica (King George Island).

The planes are the BAE 146-200, the AVRO RJ 85, and the AVRO RJ 100.  Flights depart from Punta Arenas, Chile and fly over the Drake Passage to land on King George Island (the largest of the South Shetland Islands). Upon arrival, a bus will transport your from the plane to awaiting zodiacs that will take you to the ship. There is no terminal building so you should dress accordingly (with warm clothes for when you get off the plane).

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER DATES AND PRICES

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER 2025-26 DATES AND PRICES

Prices in AUD$ – per person twin share (triple share in triple cabins)

Click on Cruise itinerary name below to view detailed description of your Antarctic Cruise

Cabin prices are structured to reward guests who book early with the best possible price. As a result cabin prices change depending on the availability (dynamic pricing) of each cabin class. Please contact us for a confirmed price. All cabin types are subject to availability.

Cruise ItineraryStart DateEnd DateDaysStart / EndCAT 1CAT 2CAT 3CAT 4CAT 5CAT 6CAT 7SA (Solo)SB (Solo)
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 10 Jan 202617 Jan 20268Puerto Natales$14,541$16,159$16,611$17,751$21,824$25,139$27,624$21,083$24,189
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 15 Jan 202622 Jan 20268Puerto Natales$14,250$15,834$16,279$17,396$21,387$24,636$27,071$20,660$23,703
Antarctica Direct – Sail and Fly the Drake 22 Jan 202631 Jan 202610Puerto Natales / Ushuaia$18,500$20,609$21,201$22,689$28,003$32,329Sold Out$27,036$31,087
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 29 Jan 20265 Feb 20268Puerto Natales$14,250$15,834$16,279$17,396$21,387$24,636$27,071$20,660$23,703
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 3 Feb 202610 Feb 20268Puerto Natales$14,250$15,834$16,279$17,396$21,387$24,636$27,071$20,660$23,703
Antarctica Direct – Sail and Fly the Drake 10 Feb 202619 Feb 202610Puerto Natales / Ushuaia$17,786$19,894$20,487$21,974$27,289$31,614$34,857$26,321$30,373
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 17 Feb 202624 Feb 20268Puerto Natales$14,250$15,834$16,279$17,396$21,387$24,636$27,071$20,660$23,703
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 22 Feb 20261 Mar 20268Puerto Natales$13,536$15,120$15,564$16,681$20,673$23,921$26,357$19,946$22,989

Note: Some of these voyages require the additional purchase of a charter flight package. Please contact us for more details and pricing.

Voyage price includes bar tab & staff gratuities onboard the National Geographic Explorer as well as kayaking

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER 2025-26 CRUISES

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER 2026-27 DATES AND PRICES

Prices in AUD$ – per person twin share (triple share in triple cabins)

Click on Cruise itinerary name below to view detailed description of your Antarctic Cruise

Cabin prices are structured to reward guests who book early with the best possible price. As a result cabin prices change depending on the availability (dynamic pricing) of each cabin class. Please contact us for a confirmed price. All cabin types are subject to availability.

Cruise ItineraryStart DateEnd DateDaysStarts / EndsCAT 1CAT 2CAT 3CAT 4CAT 5CAT 6CAT 7SA (Solo)SB (Solo)
Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands 29 Oct 202619 Nov 202622Ushuaia$41,243$46,340$47,770$51,366$64,206$74,657$82,484$61,863$71,654
Antarctica Direct – Sail and Fly the Drake 18 Nov 202627 Nov 202610Ushuaia / Puerto Natales$18,996$20,987$21,547$22,950$27,969$32,052$35,113$27,053$30,880
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 25 Nov 20262 Dec 20268Puerto Natales$17,363$18,946$19,350$20,373$24,026$26,999$29,235$23,365$26,146
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 30 Nov 20267 Dec 20268Puerto Natales$17,363$18,946$19,350$20,373$24,026$26,999$29,235$23,365$26,146
Antarctica Direct – Sail and Fly the Drake 7 Dec 202616 Dec 202610Ushuaia / Puerto Natales$18,827$20,799$21,352$22,742$27,709$31,752$34,783$26,804$30,592
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 14 Dec 202621 Dec 20268Puerto Natales$17,769$19,249$19,662$20,706$24,433$27,469$29,749$23,759$26,597
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 19 Dec 202626 Dec 20268Puerto Natales$18,349$19,892$20,323$21,412$25,300$28,465$30,843$24,596$27,557
Antarctica Direct – Sail and Fly the Drake 26 Dec 20264 Jan 202710Ushuaia / Puerto Natales$20,472$22,549$23,132$24,594$29,822$34,077$37,269$28,870$34,320
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 2 Jan 20279 Jan 20278Puerto Natales$19,586$21,287$21,763$22,963$27,249$30,737$33,352$26,469$29,735
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 7 Jan 202714 Jan 20278Puerto Natales$19,586$21,287$21,763$22,963$27,249$30,737$33,352$26,469$29,735
Antarctica Direct – Sail and Fly the Drake 14 Jan 202723 Jan 202710Ushuaia / Puerto Natales$23,317$25,744$26,429$28,142$34,262$39,244$42,973$33,144$37,813
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 21 Jan 202728 Jan 20278Puerto Natales$19,586$21,287$21,763$22,963$27,249$30,737$33,352$26,469$29,735
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 26 Jan 20272 Feb 20278Puerto Natales$19,586$21,287$21,763$22,963$27,249$30,737$33,352$26,469$29,735
Antarctica Direct – Sail and Fly the Drake 2 Feb 202711 Feb 202710Ushuaia / Puerto Natales$22,006$24,270$24,907$26,503$32,209$36,854$40,336$31,170$35,520
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 9 Feb 202716 Feb 20278Puerto Natales$19,270$20,936$21,403$22,579$26,776$30,192$32,753$26,010$29,210
Antarctica Direct – Fly the Drake 14 Feb 202721 Feb 20278Puerto Natales$19,270$20,936$21,403$22,579$26,776$30,192$32,753$26,010$29,210
Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords 21 Feb 202710 Mar 202718Ushuaia / Punta Arenas$42,510$47,761$49,239$52,943$66,177$76,951$85,019$63,763$73,856

Note: Some of these voyages require the additional purchase of a charter flight package. Please contact us for more details and pricing.

Voyage price includes bar tab & staff gratuities onboard the National Geographic Explorer as well as kayaking

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER 2026-27 CRUISES

National Geographic Explorer Cabins

National Geographic Explorer Category 7

Cat 7 Suite with Balcony Upper Deck #215, 219, 230 – These large cabins with private balconies have either two lower single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas and can be converted to triples. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, twin sinks and toilet.
Standard Cabin Amenities. The Category 7 suite is 30 square metres.

National Geographic Explorer Category 5

Cat 6 Suite with Balcony Upper Deck #213 – These spacious cabins have private balconies, two lower single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks. These suites are 27 square metres.

Cat 6 Suite Veranda Deck #101-102 – These spacious cabins can be converted into triples. They have two lower single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks. These suites are 33 square metres.

National Geographic Explorer Category 5 with balcony

Cat 5 with Balcony Upper Deck #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 – These cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV showing the ship’s position and programming. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. . (Cabin 221 has two lower single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen.) Category 5 suites are 15 square metres.

National Geographic Explorer Category 4

Cat 4 with Window Upper Deck #201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 – Cabins feature two lower single beds and at least one large window. Cabin 217, 226 & 228 feature one queen-size bed. All cabins feature climate controls, a TV showing the ship’s position and programing. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. The dining room is on this deck and accommodates all guests at once. This cabin is 15.6 square metres.

Cat 4 Veranda Deck #103-104, 107-108 – Cabins feature two lower single beds and at least one large window, climate controls, a TV showing the ship’s position and programing. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. The lounge and chartroom are easily accessible. The lounge is the social heart of the ship, and the chartroom offers direct bow access. This cabin is 16.5 square metres.

National Geographic Explorer Category 4

Cat 3 with Window Main Deck #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 – Cabins feature two lower single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, reading lamps, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship’s position and programming. Category 3 (23) is 19.5 square metres.

National Geographic Explorer Category 4

Cat 2 with Window Main Deck #317-320, 335-336 – Cabins feature two lower single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, reading lamps, bathroom with sink, toilet and a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship’s position and programming. Category 2 (6) is 15.9 square metres.

National Geographic Explorer Category 1

Cat 1 Main Deck #301-308.

Cabins feature one or two Portholes. Most cabins feature two lower single beds. Cabins 303-306 feature one queen-sized bed. All offer a writing desk, reading lamps, bathroom sink, toilet and a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship’s position and programming.

National Geographic Explorer Solo

Category A Solo, Category B Solo  – 11.7m2 to 12m2

Cat Solo A with Window Main Deck #309-312, 329-334 – These cabins feature one lower single bed and a large window or two portholes, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship’s position and programming.

Cat Solo B with Window Upper Deck #203, 208 – These cabins feature one lower single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV showing the ship’s position and programming. The dining room and ship’s bow are easily accessible.

Cat Solo B with Window Veranda Deck #105-106 – These cabins feature one lower single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV showing the ship’s position and programing. The lounge and chartroom are easily accessible.

Deck Plan

deck-plan

Ship Details

Lounge and separate bar

Library well stocked with polar books & DVDs

Large dining room

Theatre-style presentation room

Gift shop

Fitness room and massage room

Hot water spa, sauna and plunge pool

For passengers utilising pre-expedition package with charter flights to/from Ushuaia:
Group transfer from airport to hotel in Buenos Aires (only for flight arrival at set time)
1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast and city tour in Buenos Aires
Group transfer from hotel to airport for charter flight to Ushuaia
Transfers from airport to pier for catamaran cruise including lunch

All passengers:
Cabin accommodation aboard cruise as selected
All meals aboard ship throughout your voyage
Non-alcoholic beverages including soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate as well as light snacks
Services of Expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides
Presentations on history, wildlife, geography, etc.
Zodiac cruises and shore excursions in Antarctica with expedition team
Use of kayaks
A fully-lined windproof, water-resistant parka (note: you are required to provide your own knee-high rubber boots with high-traction soles)
Hairdryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Ushuaia group departure transfer to airport

Staff and Crew: 98

Guests: 148

Lifeboats: 18

Dimensions: Length: 112m Width: 16.5m Draft: 4.74m

Manoeuvrability: Bow and stern thrusters

Speed: 14.4 knots maximum

Built: 1982, Norway

Operator: National Geographic

We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.